#amd entertainment
Annmarie on the show & the future of AMD
Introduction
Just weeks before the perennial end of the year bashes that ring in 2016, Annmarie Debrito can be found diligently at work, putting plans into place, writing, creating storyboards, interviewing candidates, prospecting, contacting sponsors, finalizing casting, etc. All the things needed to launch her first television production off the ground. From flights across the country, spontaneous road trips, presentations, meetings, contracts and budgets, it’s certainly not easy. But alas, the adventure, the drive and the excitement for new beginnings bekon the AMD Entertainment CEO and her wonderful crew. I, Ollie Montgomery, sat down with Annmarie for an AMA session to find out how she’s coping.
———————————
OM: What’s happening and what’s going on?
Annmarie Debrito: As of now…
I have completed the storyboards for each finalist up to date. Next, each of the finalists will have their green room session where we will be taping. From the green room sessions, that’s how we pick our final cast. Once the cast is complete, we begin filming.
OM: Why did you pick who you picked?
Annmarie Debrito: Typically people hold casting calls in a busy setting and it’s a fast process where they rush through a screening and its loud, chaotic, busy. I didn’t want that. I wanted to personally prescreen each person first. Then, if interested, invite them to a very thorough, intense interview with myself and my casting team. Once this is done, my casting team and I sit and talk and invite the person to become a finalist. We look for personality and make sure their life storyline fits in with what I am looking for.
OM: Describe your craziest interview moment
Annmarie Debrito: I place ads everywhere about what I am looking for and one of the places I placed an ad was on Craigslist. I had a woman call me and she drove from Connecticut to Rhode Island, where we met at a busy hotel lobby in Providence. When the interview was over, she told me she was glad she didn’t have to kick me in the face. She said she and her sister were nervous about coming to meet with me and they had a plan about how to put me down if I was trying to harm them. I thought it was hilarious. But I do understand why they would have felt that way.
OM: When are you filming?
Annmarie Debrito: Filming starts next week for cast. Show filming begins in January.
OM: Where are you filming?
Annmarie Debrito:We are going to jump-start the first location and film in New York City. The majority of the filming will be done, throughout the New England area. We intend to showcase all the beautiful locations that N.E. has to offer the American people. We are currently reaching out to several businesses in NE for location agreements. We want so showcase your business. If you would like to have your business showcased in a scene on a major tv network, email us at [email protected]
OM: When do you expect the show to air?
Annmarie Debrito: After the season is filmed. I have no control on when it airs. That is done by the network.
OM: Who is your target demographic?
Annmarie Debrito: My target audience is everyone who enjoys watching someone living their truth and sharing with the world; this includes sharing their aspirations and showing their growth, mistakes, and their success. Allowing acceptance of these women’s personal wrongs and rights and courage while they are broadcast their lives on national tv and sharing it with millions and finding your connection in each of their story or seeing their struggles and believing in them as I did.
OM: What can we fans do in the meantime?
Annmarie Debrito: Stay connected through our social sites, make sure you sign up for our newsletters. if you would like to be a part of this major project, you can email us at [email protected] or sign up on our website at www.amdent.com
OM: What events do you have coming up?
Annmarie Debrito: Meet our FINAL Cast event! And be in the lookout for our SUMMER HUGE Premier Red Carpet Affair with all the mover and shakers in the industry. My vision is always BIG and this event is going to be EPIC. NE won’t forget this event.
Artist Sky Jonez Talks Life, Music and his Audition with AMD Entertainment
We had a fireside chat with the regal and cunning rapper Sky Jonez post-interview to get the raw story. Here how it went in his own words:
OM: What was your audition like?
Sky Jonez: I performed one of my original songs for my next project that I’m releasing in February, I did it live right there, they seemed to be in to it, they were engaging with me a lil bit and then when I was done, they liked, they seemed like the liked it, idk I just stood there and performed for them I got a good response.
OM: How would you like to utilize this opportunity?
Sky Jonez: I have a new project that i’m working on to be released in february, so i’ll be pushing it. That will help me bring some attention to that and my portfolio. I dropped about 14 videos last year and I’m already on my second or third one for this year so I want to bring some more attention to that as well. I have a lot of projects that have been out for a while and never got enough exposure at all. I’m hoping that’ll get a little more light shined on that through this.
OM: How long have you been making music?
Sky Jonez: Oh wow…I’ve been making it since ‘97…
OM:Word.
Sky Jonez: Yeah, but seriously doing music since…I did some time, went away for a while and I got out in December of 2008, so since then. Since then I’ve made about 60 (tracks) and I just signed with an indie label. I signed with an indie label about two years ago and I started touring like real heavy. I got to do a few tours with Strange Music, May Day, stuff like that. Yeah man, it’s been good. I’ve got to see the Midwest, go out to Colorado, went out to see LA, this year looks to be a lot of the same so it’s looking good.
OM: What are you up to these days as we move into 2016? What moves are you making right now?
Sky Jonez: I just released a video featuring one of the guys from Strange Music, but I have (another) new video to be released the first week of January, I’m still in the middle of this project. I have the release date right now, but it might get pushed to February; I want to do it right. I have a show booked in New York on January 31st, I’m opening for Cassidy and then (events with) the label itself they have other stuff going. As I said, I’m with an indie label and I know we’ll be doing some shorter stints in the Midwest, six or seven shows here and there. We’re going to play it by ear but that’s pretty much what I got going on. I got new music lined up to be released and a couple of shows lined up.
OM: What drives you or motivates you? What would you say you’re about?
Sky Jonez: I would say…not to be long-winded, because I can do that too (laughs)…I would just say I’m from a small town and there’s a lot of talent here but not a lot of people have made it from here, whatever that means, so I adapt. It motivates me to be the person to show (them something different). I have two kids and I want to let them know that there’s more outside of the box. Living in a small town, that’s all many people ever think of. They don’t think of anything beyond the Rhode Island state lines you know what I mean? So that’s my motivator, I want to be an example, to show people there’s more than this shit if you reach far enough.
People are just so close-minded, like they just want to be stuck. A lot of people are stuck in a mindset that they don’t even think of anything outside of the box. So every time I’m around people like that, that drives me even more. Like even going to this audition, that was something that was out of the box. Somebody else would’ve been like “Ah come on, that shit’s just gonna be some bullshit”, but alright, if it’s some bullshit, it didn’t cost me a dollar. I didn’t lose a thing by doing it, so even if it doesn’t pan out (there’s no harm done) and that’s the way my mind works. But there mind is “ah, it’s gonna be some bullshit, fuck it” so why bother. I don’t understand that mindset. So that’s my motivator.
I told you I could be long-winded man (laughs again).
Follow his journey on the gram: @therealSkyJonez
Follow Us @AMDEnt401 for the latest!
This January celebrate the launch of AMD Entertainment Services with a Power Brunch! Details to be announced.
In April/May we will be holding our RED CARPET PREMIERE party at our 5 Acre private estate in Jamestown, RI.
Access to Private beach, private decks with hot tub and whirlpool with private suites overlooking the beautiful ocean.
Stay tuned for final details. Don’t miss out!
EstellaStarr Brings The Realness to her Audition
OM: So what did you do for your audition and how was that experience?
Estela:I sang an original song that I wrote and I also read a little script as well that they asked me to. The experience was great and it was awesome to see finally, someone being a person of their word, because I met Annmarie about two years ago for an audition I did for someone else and you know networking and I got her information. Me and her never kept in contact after that, so the fact that she still remembered me was awesome. She sent me an email asking me to audition and I thought it was awesome of her to remember me, so with just that alone I had more confidence with audition. I’m not gonna lie, I was a little nervous. I actually didn’t know how well I did. But it was a great experience. I drove down there from New York, so just the drive alone…it was fun. It was fun for me; overall the experience was great.
OM: Definitely. You said that you sing, can you tell us more about what you do with music?
I actually used to rap and I took some time off, you know how life gets in the way sometimes, to be realistic, so I took some time off to go to school. Later I started writing again and trying to get back into the music game. So I started singing; and I’ve always sang, so I was able to do the NBA All Stars soundtrack and a few other projects here and there. So now I’m just working on an EP, trying to get involved and get work. My music is more on the soulful hip-hop vibe, but I write anything.
OM: What is your ambition?
Estela: I’m an account manager for Red Bull and I also do real estate. But as for my ambition, I’m a very creative person and I realized throughout the years that I belong in this type of industry. I like to help people so that’s one of the main factors. Aside from that it’s my passion: music; and what I’m trying to say is so underrated and shed some light (on topics I care about). I want to talk about things that are really going on. There’s certain things I want to do with my music. I want to be heard and for those that feel like they don’t have someone or (anything). I just want to be able to help people through my music. I love to sing, I love to write music, so that’s my main goal. I know it may sound a little, cliche, but it’s the truth.
OM: What do you want to get out of this opportunity?
Estela: I would love to be able to work with Miss Annmarie for sure. She’s very inspiring. Just me following her on Instagram on social media (piqued my interest). Again, her keeping her word meant so much to me even if I weren’t to make the show or still work with her it made me good to feel there are still people like her in this industry.I feel like I can be a great benefit for what she’s trying to do and accomplish. Of course, I want my music to be heard. I want my music to be heard for the women out there who are trying to do positive things in life. For the single mothers out there that feel like they have to go the left route, or have to do certain things for their children, or they feel alone. You know I really want to touch everyone, but those are my main targets, because that’s who I am. I have a child, stuff like that.
OM: What are you passionate about: whether that be a cause or something you believe in?
Estela:Honestly, if you really think about it there’s so many single mothers out there. Soooo many single mothers out there and its like they don’t really get the recognition they deserve. And it’s not necessarily about recognition, because that’s not, again, my main focus is to touch people through my music because that’s what it does to me. My own music it touches me; it relieves my stress whenever I feel some sort of way. So imagine what it could do for other people. As a single mom, it’s so hard you know? It made me open my eyes to my mom and what she went through with and my sisters and it’s like wow. (If) this is how I feel towards myself and my mom’s situation imagine all the other single women out there. It’s good to have a little of that so people see that. There are people out there going through this, there are people who want to make things better. So that’s what I’m passionate about: being positive and making a change.
OM: What is something people don’t know about you that you would like them to know about you?
Estela: That I’m never gonna stop. (laughs)
I’m just really passionate. I really believe in myself. It’s so weird sometimes. Even when I’m at my worst I’m like “Nope!”. It’s a serious self-belief, that’s why I keep going despite any challenges. Not only that, I can be hood, I can be all of the above, but it’s okay to have that and also have the positive. Everyone just focuses on the negative and it’s okay to have that and be realistic, but it’s also okay to put a light on the positivity (in your situation) as well.
OM: Where can people follow you and how can they support you? Put yourself on.
Estela:Right now, since I’m in the transition of starting over again, I don’t really have much out but I am on Instagram and Facebook:
Can I be real honest? A person like me is needed on the show. I feel like I can touch anybody. I can be hood, but I can also be positive, I’m also a single mother, I also have a 9-5, I’m also grinding with the music, I don’t give up It’s just…I don’t know, I feel like I would be a great attribute whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes.
AMDCandi’s Dede Diamati Introduces Herself to the World
I was born in Albany, New York. Grew up in between Brooklyn and Miami. My nationality is Jamaican Spaniard (mixed). My personality can be described as very down to earth and real. I’m unforgivably honest but very understanding and sincere at the same time.
Overall, I make it a point of priority to give back to my community and help others with any opportunity I receive. I aspire to inspire other young women to use their social media influences for the right reasons rather than just being a pretty face.
I love to work and travel and learn about new cultures. I enjoy the simplicity of being home with my family or spending a day at the beach and just relaxing. My style is everything that’s me! In addition to modeling I’m also a wardrobe stylist so dressing is well is just a form of good manners.
I could never be with someone who doesn’t compliment my style. I’ve been modeling for the past 4 years and I believe my ambition and drive sets me apart from the other models in this industry. I have goals I know I will attain while setting an example for my daughter as to what it is to be a strong, independent woman.
I hope to one day be able to be on tv filming my reality for the world. My favorite music is feel good music! One of my favorite artists is The weeknd but I also enjoy other genres of music such as soulful r&b and pop.
A sitdown with one of our Reality Show finalists
Preface
The road to the next big reality show has many twists, turns and challenges, but we have yet to meet the the people whose stories will drive the show. While the final casting has yet to be announced and/or solidified, we sat down with three smart, talented finalists to find out more about them. Here’s Jade’s story, in her own words:
—————————————–
OM: What would you like people to know about you?
Jade:One thing I’d like people to know about me is how sensitive I am on the inside. I have a really tough outer shell and that fools a lot of people most of the time. But deep down I am very sensitive. I cry at other people’s pain, not only my own, and that’s something that most people would be surprised to know. I’m just a compassionate, empathetic person. I feel a lot on the inside and I’m not afraid of that.
OM: Why do you say that?
Jade: I feel like I’m…in the world that we live in today a lot of people guard themselves and feel like they need to protect themselves from feeling things. I just so happen to not be one of those. I’m a musician, so I feel. A lot of what I feel comes through music, you know? So feeling is something that’s a part of me: just, any type of feeling, any type of emotion.
OM: As a musician, how was it for you to get established, get out there and actively achieve your dreams?
Jade: Well, I would say that I’m still pursuing my dreams in a sense, I’m not where I want to be. Yet with that I’ve been playing the violin since the third grade, so my ear is exceptionally well. Things that most artists have to train for, ear training and all that, is not easy. That’s something that comes naturally to me. My father’s a drummer; has been since he was 7, so that’s something that runs in the family. And my ability to write has always been natural. I have just one song that I’ve recorded. Just one. For the first song that I’ve ever recorded, it got extremely good reviews from the lyrics to the content to the actual sound of the song. I was able to bring that together not knowing anything. I have no formal training with voice: the instrument that I use now. Prior to (this), I knew how to read violin music and all that, but it’s just different, you know? A musician is somebody that’s good in a bunch of different aspects with their music.
OM: What do you try to convey when you make music?
Jade: I try to articulate what other people have a hard time articulating. So I’m very good with expressing what I feel. I’m very in tune with that and when I make music, I go back into the things that’s changed me and try to think of situations that somebody else has probably been in; and most times, everybody’s been through the same shit, excuse me. So you just gotta tap into that. You know people and you know what they’re going to gravitate towards and I feel like my audience is pretty broad. I do R&B/Neo-Soul, but I’m pretty versatile. I listen to Nipsey Hussle, I listen to Corinne Bailey (Rae), I’m all across the board. All over. So, I respect art man. I really fuck with art. I think without art, this world wouldn’t be much.
OM: What attracted you to this opportunity?
Jade: The accusations that go on. I’m from Rhode Island - the smallest state. Word travels very fast and this is just an opportunity to present my truth to the world. It’s coming directly from me. It’s not coming from the person I went to highschool with. It’s not coming from someone that may have seen me in the club. It’s coming directly from me and it’s almost like closure for me because I have one foot in the industry and one foot out. I always had a plan to exit. This literally came at a perfect time and it’s a perfect transition out. It explains all the “whys”, all the questions people have about me. I think it’s just…it’s a great opportunity in that way, just to tell my truth.
I have a big family and all of that and rather than sit them down at the dinner table, (you can) just see it on TV.
OM: What drives you? What motivates you?
Jade: So I have this fantasy. My parents were never together. They were cool, they had kids, but it was never a situation like that. So I didn’t grow up with a mom and dad in the house, with the family, with the extracurricular activities and the structure and I didn’t have any of that. So I’ve always wanted husband, kids, a house; like I want that structure. I want to create my own family. So that’s (what) my drive is. just setting up that future and then I have little ones that depend on me within the family, you know. I have a twin sister who has special needs and I have…she has a 1 & a half year old daughter. Since she’s come into the picture it’s kind of like, “Ok, I really can’t slack off,” because I have these young ones to worry about. Because some people in the family aren’t capable of giving them that and if anyone’s capable, I am. So that’s my drive.
OM: What would you like people to know about you that you haven’t already said or that no one knows?
Jade: I’m still finding myself. I don’t discuss too much, you know, so I’m still finding myself. I don’t feel at 23 it’s ideal to look for me to be a role model. The only thing I try to do is…my heart is always in a good place. I don’t do anything with ill-intentions because I feel like that shit will come back and bite you in the ass. In the world we live in, right now, there’s a lot of dishonesty, not a lot of loyal people and that (honesty) is something that I pride myself in.
Jade: Good one, good one, ready?
OM: Go for it
Jade: I purposefully and a lot of people don’t know this about me, they think that because I’m attractive I give everybody the time of day. Guy, girl, whatever. I purposefully reserve myself for individuals I feel deserve the time of day. So I have a pretty good intuition. When I meet someone, I kinda know what bag they’re jumping out of. I know if there’s a hidden motive there. I go off of feelings so I preserve myself. I feel like to many people share their soul with everybody. I’m a very intellectual, soulful person and that is something that I hold close to myself. I’m not going to let anybody (negative) be close to me or get in my head or any of that. I’m not closed off, I save myself, put it that way, I save myself for the right people.
Jade:Does that make sense?
OM:Definitely.
Jade: Yeah, I don’t feel like I should expose myself to everybody, not everybody deserves that. Like genuinely in my heart, I’m a great person and I’m not giving people the opportunity to fuck me over. If I decide that I want to (associate) with you, then that’s my own decision. And when something happens it’s like, “okay, better do less next time” type shit, you know? Too many people are available. I’m not. There’s nothing special about you if everyone has access to you. That’s it.
OM: Any final words?
Jade:Yeah! I think that no matter what you do in life you should always strive to make an imprint, no matter what. I meet a lot of people and regardless of what industry you’re in you should try to make an imprint. This opportunity that I have right here is a platform to reach more people. There’s a lot of people that have stories and similar one’s to mind and as a human being. You should always strive to make an imprint.You know how alot of people strive and make that money? You know, money goes; and it comes and it goes and it comes again. But to make an imprint? That’s something that’s going to last. And that literally is my vision for my life. Whether that imprint be with the kids that I have, the husband I get or whatever the case, I want to make a long lasting imprint: A positive one.
A sitdown with one of our Reality Show finalists
Preface
The road to the next big reality show has many twists, turns and challenges, but we have yet to meet the the people whose stories will drive the show. While the final casting has yet to be announced and/or solidified, we sat down with three smart, talented finalists to find out more about them. Here’s Julie’s story, in her own words:
—————————————–
OM: Tell me about yourself
Julie:I just turned 30, I’m single, never been married, no kids, I live alone in Dartmouth, Mass. I like to travel. I like going out, I like sports, I like the gym. I mean I don’t really have any baggage, I don’t have any past relationships that are holding me back from anything, so at this point of my life (I’m) trying to figure out where I’m going next. I mean I have a bachelors in marketing, I think of myself as a pretty smart woman. It’s just at this point I’m a little lost because I’m so used to making that fast cash and basically doing what I want, when I want, if I want to get up one week and go on vacation I have no problem doing that. I just put in an hour later at work and I do what I want.
As far as that goes, that’s pretty much my life right now.
OM: What words would you say people use to describe you?
Julie: Sexy, intimidating, funny.
OM: What is your opinion of New England?
Julie: I like New England, I like the sports in New England, I like the summers, I mean there’s a lot of good things but… the weather kind of sucks. The people can be kind of…(trails off). I was living in Florida and the people are so friendly down there and up here people are like, “Eh” or angry. I’ve lived here my whole life so there’s a reason why I’m still here, but I don’t know (what to else to say)..
OM: Any causes you’re passionate about or any extracurricular activities you have? Any interests you have that’s unique to you that people don’t really know about?
Julie: Alright, well if there was a cause that I would definitely support, it would be addiction because I lost my mom to addiction and I have a sister that’s a major addict. I had, you know, friends and boyfriends that have been addicted to drugs as well. That’s a cause that I think really needs to be more recognized and there should be more knowledge about because, again, I lost my mom to alcohol and I watched her first-hand drink herself to death. There’s such a stigma to it where people are just like “Oh, well it was her choice to do that. She made her bed she can lie in it” kinda thing. And it’s kind of not fair because it's…I really do believe it is a disease and its just like cancer or whatever else that may be it. I think it needs to be recognized that its a disease and not (encourage others to) judge people so much for being an addict. It is a huge epidemic and it’s a huge problem. That’s something I’m passionate about.
As far as extracurricular activities, I love basketball. I used to play in high school and I was really good. I like sports, I love to dance and go out, get on the dance floor and just tear it up.
OM: What drives you? What motivates you? How do you like to live your life?
Julie:Obviously I have to make a living, but what definitely drives me is that I’ve always liked nice things and I like to travel. I’ve been in the industry because the money’s good and I never really came from money so that’s what kinda hooked me in the first place. It’s like easy money. Going to work (often means) I’m going to party but I’m getting paid too. What drives me is having nice things: having a nice car, having a nice home, traveling and seeing the world. That’s basically what the whole drive behind my hustle is.
OM: How has your process been, talking to Annmarie about the show and being interviewed and things are moving along; What is this like for you as a finalist?
Julie: it’s interesting and it’s exciting and it’s one of those things that I don’t want to get too excited about it - like if I don’t get casted - then I’ll kinda be bummed. (But) It’s a new experience and I think it would be cool. I’m really interested and I’m excited for what can become of it.
OM: What would you like people to know about you? Or anything you would say if you had a soapbox: about yourself or about life or about anything?
Julie: You can only have one life and it’s what you make of it. My whole life, I’ve been through a lot, I was on my own at a young age, I lost both my parents and I still went back to school and I held my head up high and I still worked and I got shit done and I didn’t let that get the best of me. I just kept moving and you can’t…(pauses). I don’t know why I’m here on Earth, I’m think I’m here for a reason. I’ve been through so much and I think I’m just such a strong person. At this point, I’m just very happy with who I’ve become and how my mom raised me. I still wake up everyday and I come look at myself in the mirror and I’m completely happy with who I am. It took me a long time to get to that point and I’m finally there and now I’m just…you know, I’m living my life and I’m enjoying every minute of it. And at the end of the day I’m a good person: I’m honest, I’m loyal, I’m an awesome friend. I mean I have a lot talents that my mom, thank god, she blessed me with.Yeah…I’m happy.
Take a Glimpse at AMD Candi’s Stunning Princess
With the stage name Diamond Princess, you’d be sure to expect a whopper of a personality and boy does the beautiful woman you see before you deliver. Often described as outgoing, hardworking and determined. Diamond makes a mark on all those she comes across.
Born in Hollywood, Florida to Guyanese and Puerto Rican parents, the Princess brings a unique flair to our events and in the field at shoots and runways. The cosmetology student from Marinello schools is very talented and focused on achieving her goals to establish herself as an independent woman.
Yet she isn’t afraid to crack jokes, dance to hip hop and R&B and just let loose and enjoy the moment from time to time. We’re pleased to have such a well-balanced spirit.
Stephanie - IG @_ST3PHANIE.G - is the latest model to hit the runway as a model for the illustrious AMD Candi
In just a few short weeks, Stephanie has already appeared in photoshoots, multiple events and is even featured in Manhattan for All-Star Weekend. Before she ships out, I met with her for a coffee date and was able to get some of the real questions you want to know about her.
Why AMD Candi and what led you to this point?
I chose to join AMD Candi because I saw a lot of potential and can see myself growing with this company.
Tell us about your personality
I’m a very smart, fun and outgoing girl that likes to have a good time anywhere she goes. Very optimistic and determined to reach all my goals.
What message do you wish to spread to the world?
That you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s all until that one day. Hard work will pay off eventually, so if times get difficult keep trying!
Any other major ventures you're involved in?
I teach dance to younger girls ages 4-16 for pageants , shows etc. I also offer choreography for sweet 16s, weddings and many other events.
What are some of your smaller, casual hobbies and interests?
I love to read, dance, take pictures lol and spend time with my family.
Tell us about your style?
My style is very versatile I can go from a very sporty look to a grown sexy look. I like to switch it up and keep it unpredictable.
How long have you been interested in modeling?
I’ve been interested in modeling since I was a little girl and started when I did a big pageant and actually won.
What are your goals and where do you see yourself in 8 months?
My goals is to create a stable lifestyle for myself where I’m happy everyday and wake up with no complaints about what I do for work. I see myself working on major deals and one step further towards my goals in 8 months.
What is something about you that sets you apart from everybody else?
I would have to say the way I handle situations, no matter how hard life gets I keep going with a very optimistic view.
Favorite music?
I’m a music fanatic period. I listen to everything but I would have to say R & B.
Favorite work-out?
Tiffany Rothe’s.
For events, photoshoots and other bookings: email [email protected]
